Sunday, March 10, 2013

Who's on the phone?

Saturday morning I took Taylor to a junior high math competition. On the way back I was going to go right by Walmart. I figured I could stop and pick up some items for Sunday dinner. I've become much more domestic lately. I cook way more frequently than I used to. I planned on making cream of broccoli soup (which I did and which turned out to be very well received by the kiddos!).

I called Christi to see if she wanted me to get anything for her while I was at the store. She answered the home phone and we talked for a few minutes. She asked if we had been able to find the competition and Taylor's teacher. I had. She asked if we were on time. Early! (This is a fairly big accomplishment for me.) I asked how her morning had been. Had she been able to go back to sleep after we left? No. What was the problem? Sophi and Lexi kept coming in the room and needing this and that, etc. Anyway, we had been talking for at least five minutes. I finally came around to the point of my call. "Do you need me to get anything while I'm at Walmart?"

Instantly this third voice chimes in, very matter-of-factly and without any hint that she might think she's a third wheel in this conversation: "We could use some fresh rasberries and strawberries for waffles, 'cuz I love waffles. And maybe you could get some Fruity Pebbles. Actually, maybe you should get two bags of Fruity Pebbles 'cuz we have such a big family. Oh, and you know those cookies you get for lunch? The ones that are chocolate and strawberry and vanilla? But you've been only getting the vanilla kind lately? You should get some of the chocolate and strawberry ones 'cuz I really like them, too."

"Thanks, Jess. Those are great suggestions. Would you like me to get some cool whip for the waffles?"

"Just a minute, let me check and see if we have any...pause...Um, is sour cream like cool whip?"

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When we fell in love 20 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.

Jeremy and Christianne

Taylor Jeremy--18

Parker Matthew--17

The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!

Jessica Anne "Jesi"--14

Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!

Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004

Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!

Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005

Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!

Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--13

Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!

Gracelin Kate "Graci"--19

Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!

Alexander Philip "Xander"--12

With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.

Alexis Li "Lexi"--13

Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!

Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--9

Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.

Calais Rose "Cali"--17

Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!

Conner Allen-- 17

Meet our newest addition! Home three years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!

The Dog

Baxter-- 6 months

She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.